Types of Disabilities in Colorado Springs
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Colorado Springs, affecting 25,856 residents (5.9% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 18,716 | 4.0% |
| Vision difficulty | 10,678 | 2.3% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 25,856 | 5.9% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 24,143 | 5.5% |
| Self-care difficulty | 8,696 | 2.0% |
| Independent living difficulty | 19,228 | 5.3% |
Need Help Filing in Colorado?
- Average wait time: 259 days
- Initial approval rate: 37%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Colorado Springs, 43.7% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 7.5% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 5,824 | 7.5% |
| 5 to 17 | 12,676 | 10.4% |
| 18 to 64 | 21,859 | 12.9% |
| 65 to 74 | 8,778 | 21.1% |
| 75 and over | 12,020 | 43.7% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 29,385 | 12.9% |
| Female | 32,015 | 13.4% |
Women in Colorado Springs have a higher disability rate (13.4%) compared to men (12.9%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 44,233 | 13.1% |
| Black or African American | 4,417 | 16.9% |
| Asian | 948 | 7.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 11,020 | 12.6% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Colorado Springs's median household income of $83,198 is above the county median ($71,485) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 5.9%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs residents in Mesa County apply for SSDI through Colorado's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 37% |
| Hearing approval rate | 47% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 259 days |
With an initial approval rate of 37% in Colorado and an average wait of 259 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Colorado disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Colorado Springs
If you live in Colorado Springs and believe you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits:
Online
Apply at ssa.gov/applyfordisability - available 24/7.
By Phone
Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday-Friday, 8 AM-7 PM.
In Person
Visit your local Social Security office. Find the nearest at secure.ssa.gov/ICON.
If you think you might qualify for benefits, working with a disability advocate can really help your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people in Colorado Springs have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 61,400 residents of Colorado Springs, Colorado have at least one disability, representing 13.2% of the population of 466,328.
What is the most common disability type in Colorado Springs?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 25,856 residents (5.9%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Colorado?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Colorado is approximately 37%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 47%. Average processing time is 259 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Colorado Springs?
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. Many applicants benefit from working with a disability lawyer.
What is the median income in Colorado Springs?
The median household income in Colorado Springs is $83,198.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Mesa County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
Answer a few quick questions to see if you may be eligible for SSDI or SSI. It takes about 2 minutes and it is completely free.
Sources & Methodology
All data for Colorado Springs is compiled from official government sources.
- U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table S1810 (Disability Characteristics), 2023
- U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table DP03 (Selected Economic Characteristics), 2023
- Social Security Administration - SSI Recipients by State and County, 2024
- Social Security Administration - SSDI approval and processing data, Fiscal Year 2024